A popular café in Muswell Hill was saved from developers this week after the Planning Inspectorate dismissed an appeal to build a new restaurant. Local Liberal Democrats welcomed the decision to save the Cherry Tree café and said it was a “victory for common sense.” Cllr Jonathan Bloch who made representations opposing the original application and Cllr Gail Engert who attended the appeal hearing were overjoyed at the decision.

Cllr Jonathan Bloch, comments:

“This was a victory for common sense. The current cafe called Cherry Tree is a much-loved local institution. The developers have been trying to bring in an up market restaurant for many years. Local residents, supported by their local Liberal Democrat councillors, have rallied behind their local greasy spoon where meals are sold at affordable prices. I hope this heralds a sea change amongst the inspectorate staff attitude and that they will as in this instance give due emphasis to local feeling.”

Cllr Gail Engert, adds:

“The owners of the Cherry Tree are delighted. Their café is a prime example of a popular local enterprise that we were right to fight to protect from wholly inappropriate development.”